Senior Investment Associate

Zebra Technologies; Lincolnshire (IL); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Annual incentive plan

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Zebra Technologies, through Zebra Ventures, seeks a Senior Investment Associate in Lincolnshire, IL. The role supports deal sourcing, evaluation, and execution across startups and tech-driven opportunities.

The successful candidate will conduct market research, perform due diligence, build financial models, and prepare committee materials, while engaging with external partners and Zebra stakeholders. Hybrid work with travel expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum BA/BS in business, finance, accounting, marketing, CS, engineering or statistics; MBA preferred.
• Five+ years of relevant investment experience; 3+ years with AI/M&A/Investment Banking considered.

Responsibilities

• Conduct primary and secondary market research to identify start-up investment targets aligned with Zebra’s themes.
• Perform rigorous due diligence on potential investments including product roadmaps, customer analysis, business models and financial projections.
• Lead financial modeling and scenario analyses for targets and portfolio companies.
• Build relationships with venture firms, accelerators and entrepreneurs to generate deal flow.
• Prepare investment memos and materials for the Investment Committee and Zebra leadership.

Skills

Deal sourcing

Due diligence

Financial modeling

Market research

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Independent work

Communication

AI tools familiarity

Education

BA/BS in business/finance/etc

MBA preferred

Tools

AI tools

Excel

Job description

Overview

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer’s and partner’s needs and solve their challenges.

Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.

You’ll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about—locally and globally.

Come make an impact every day at Zebra.

What We’re Looking For

Zebra Ventures is responsible for accelerating sustainable top and bottom-line growth for Zebra through investments in new technologies, new businesses and new talent. This team is a small, high-impact team that is responsible for making investments in high-tech start-ups that are relevant to our businesses. The Senior Investment Associate will work with the Zebra Ventures team across all aspects of deal sourcing, evaluation, and execution, including landscape research, thematic development, company prospecting, term sheet drafting, financial modeling, due diligence, negotiation, and preparation of investment committee materials. This role will interface with entrepreneurs, other investors, and Zebra stakeholders and leadership.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct primary and secondary market research to identify start-up investment targets that align with Zebra’s key investment themes and areas of strategic interest
• Perform product, business, and financial due diligence on companies of interest with detailed evaluations of start-up owners, product roadmaps, customer analysis, business models, go-to-market strategies and financial projections
• Build and manage relationships with external partners to generate deal flow, including with venture capital firms, accelerators, strategic corporate partners, and entrepreneurs
• Lead financial modeling and sensitivity analysis for investment targets and portfolio companies
• Maintain internal reporting frameworks for deal pipeline updates (investment opportunities) and portfolio performance reviews (valuation, impairments, ownership stake)
• Collaborate with internal business unit partners to understand their strategic needs and portfolio or technology gaps
• Monitor adjacent technology industries and companies to identify trends, opportunities, and threats
• Generate investment memos, monthly activity reports, customer presentations, ecosystem landscapes and strategies, and quarterly portfolio update reports for a variety of audiences including Zebra’s Board of Directors and External Auditors
• Prepare Quarterly and Ad hoc presentations to Zebra’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) on portfolio companies, deal activity and potential investment targets
• Organize/facilitate working sessions with business unit evaluation teams/internal stakeholders to evaluate opportunities and perform due diligence on investments
• Monitor and help manage relationships with existing portfolio companies and provide connections to internal business unit teams
• Act as an ambassador for Zebra Ventures at external conferences and networking events
• May support M&A work on an as needed basis

Candidates must work hybrid schedule (3 days in office/2 remote) from Lincolnshire, IL. Position will require minimum 10% travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in relevant field such as business, finance, accounting, marketing, computer science, engineering and/or statistics, MBA preferred
• 5+ years of relevant experience. Candidates with 3+ years of experience will considered if they are skilled in using AI tools, M&A, and Investment Banking

Preferred Skills And Competencies

• Demonstrate ability to think strategically about products, markets, business models, competitive landscapes, and their relevance to Zebra’s business
• A deep interest in startups, technology and staying informed of the latest technologies and trends
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with investors, entrepreneurs, and executives
• Proven ability to work independently, with limited direction, while managing multiple projects, often under tight deadlines
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to succinctly distill a large quantity of information and analysis for executive consumption
• Strong analytical, quantitative skills, including proficiency with valuation and financial modeling
• Familiarity with AI tools is a plus

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at [e-mail].

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at [e-mail].

Know Your Rights

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

Conozca Sus Derechos

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp_10_20.pdf

Pay Range

$96,800.00 - $145,200.00 Annual

Incentive Compensation

In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance-based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 10% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

Zebra Total Rewards

Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive – including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work.

Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job-related skills, knowledge, and experience.

Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long-term incentive equity awards.

Benefits

We understand the importance of work-life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual companywide well-being day to promote revitalization and success.